The ABC* Of Business Advice (*Annapurna Base Camp)

Recently, (just before the avalanche that occurred above Base Camp in fact), a member of the Green & Co team set off to walk to Everest Base Camp…

After months of planning and preparation, I arrived in Kathmandu to discover that even commencing my walk to Everest Base Camp was impossible – bad weather was preventing all flights in and out of Lukla, the start point. The only other way to reach Lukla was to walk for 8 days – time which I had not allowed for. Before I knew it, all my plans had been changed. I was not walking to EBC, but instead to Annapurna Base Camp in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. With no time to research the new trip, and relying solely on the knowledge of my Nepali guide, I set off on a trek as different from the one I had planned as could be imagined. Instead of the steady climb to Everest Base Camp, the route to ABC gains height rapidly only for it all to be lost again, repeatedly, sometimes twice or three times in a day. Whilst ABC is not situated as high as EBC, the overall height gained throughout the trip was much greater (and therefore more exhausting!). Instead of a snowy trail, it was bamboo jungles, mountainside farmland, and river beds. Instead of cold weather, I was faced with day upon day of sunny, 26+ degree heat with no suitable kit, only the down jacket and fleecy clothes in my rucksack! However, whilst trekking up the wrong mountain, the following points occurred to me:

A. The unexpected may be around every corner. Be ready.

You cannot foresee every future event, whether it be the last minute impossibility of your holiday plans, or something more serious. Having a guide, or someone with experience or advice, ready and on hand is invaluable.

B. There are ups and there are downs.

Downs – the 3,300 stone steps you must climb before your path drops you down to the bottom of another valley; the physical fatigue after 7 hours of uphill walking. Ups – the moment you first see the sun rising over the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. It is a statement that is true in all areas of life, the ups may even make up for the downs, and you will get through those low moments.

C. You must look up and enjoy the ride.

It is very easy to spend all your time watching your feet, ensuring you don’t miss-step or slip up, but if you do this, the main events will pass you by – seeing a small avalanche happen a few hundred metres ahead of you, perhaps!

Here at Green & Co, whilst trekking advice is not our area of expertise, your business is! As a proactive firm of accountants, we endeavour to help our clients meet the future equipped with the knowledge and support they need for their business, and we pride ourselves on encouraging our clients to not focus solely on running a business, but to enjoy the benefits too. If you would like further information on what we can do to help you and your business, then please contact us.

Please note: This article is a commentary on general principles and should not be interpreted as advice for your specific situation.